“... by others the is the only p...”Whale, puffer fish, sea urchins and more of Dhabi's best maki and sashimi Whale meat, puffer fish and sea urchins. Exotic critters not uncommon atop Abu Dhabi’s ever popular Japanese snack. As the sushi scene explodes in the capital, the makis and sashimis are becoming more weird and wonderful than ever. Want to find the best? This is how we roll…AquariumSushi Sundays are the weekly institution at Aquarium, with all-you-can-eat sushi for just Dhs99. Choose from a colourful concoction of sushi, sashimi and maki shipwrecked on the icy rocks of the buffet display, and watch their cousins swim past in the marine tanks. Dhs99 sushi night, every Sunday, 7pm-11pm. Open daily 12.30pm-1am. Aquarium, Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0007).BenihanaThis American-Japanese restaurant is known all over the globe for its theatrical preparation of Japanese food. Watch the chefs prepare your food live on the steaming hot flat griddle surface – but don’t pass over Benihana’s extensive and unique sushi menu.

There is a reason this brand is known worldwide and has been around since 1964. Use Benihana’s weekly ‘sensational sushi night’ from 6pm-11.30pm to dig into a buffet of makimono – otherwise known as ‘rolled things’. Sample Roy’s special roll, filled unusually with sweet and sour miso sauce, for a flavourful treat before chowing down on your main. Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs290 with selected house drinks, Dhs95 for children six-12 years. Sensational Sushi Saturday resumes Aug 8, 6pm-11.30pm. Benihana, Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah (02 697 9011).CatchYou will be blown away by the blow torch dynamite rolls at Catch. They sound extreme, but these salmon bound bites encased in crispy fried seaweed and rice paper with a dollop of creamy crab mayonnaise on top – eat in one crunchy, smooth bite – will have you in raptures. Go off piste on Sunday nights, and enjoy Sushi and Sake Sundays at Catch featuring unlimited sushi and sake for a great price that they can enjoy either downstairs or on the rooftop to Balearic beats!

Sushi & Sake night, Sunday from 6.30pm. Open daily, Mon-Sun noon-midnight, upper terrace from 6pm-3am. Catch, St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche West, www.catch.ae (02 611 0909).HawksbillIt seems even golfers have picked up on the healthy, protein packed benefits of raw fish. Having said that, anyone is welcome to try the sushi and sashimi buffet every Wednesday night at Hawksbill at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Every Wednesday from 6.30pm. Hawksbill, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (02 499 8107).jogo sushi slash onlineInakayaA beautiful restaurant renowned for its live cooking theatre and making guests feel part of the show. gry online sushi chefMost diners come for the live cooking on the unique robata-style grill, but Inakaya also has a team of sushi masters to delight those looking for a more delicate meal. yo sushi delivery dubai marina

You can’t go wrong with any fish made to order at Inakaya, but we would recommend you not leave without trying the yellowtail carpaccio, which might be the very best in the capital, or the negitoro roll if you care for fatty blue fin tuna belly. Open daily, 6.30pm-11pm. Inakaya, Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Khor Al Maqta (02 404 1921).TokiA mainstay for the capital’s sushi lovers for a long time. A highlight of Toki is the tataki rooms where you slip off your shoes, close the doors, take your place on the floor and dine as the Japanese do in a private room. sushi grade fish northern vaToki has a lovely ambiance and a fantastic selection of sushi, sashimi and nigari. Don’t leave without trying the sashimi selection platter. The freshest fish is sliced into even smaller bites and they are mouth-watering. Open daily, noon-2pm, 6.30pm-11pm. Toki, Hilton, Al Khubeirah (02 681 4151).

KazuFor the brave, Kazu offers possibly the most unique Omakase menu in town (a specially chosen menu by the chef). If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in Kazu on a night it’s not too busy, you may be treated to a visit from the head chef himself; he will ask your preferences and then build a bespoke menu based upon the freshness of ingredients and what he is the mood to cook. You will be treated to around four-six courses of the finest Japanese food you can find in town, including a sushi boat that is to die for. Your raw fish is served on a carved block of ice, and each bite tastes fresh from the sea. You will not be disappointed with Kazu’s Omakase menu. Open daily, 7pm-11pm. Kazu, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 0600).KoiHead down to the stunning Koi Restaurant & Lounge every Tuesday for maki madness, where you can join the all-you-can-eat extravaganza. Indulge in Koi favourites such as the delicious signature Koi dragon roll and the ultimate rock shrimp tempura hand roll.

Or join the new Thursday evening brunch, Koi Supper Club. Enjoy a selection of mouth watering Japanese treats served tapas-style, refreshing saketini beverages and free flowing grape – all to the backdrop of chilled out sounds from the resident DJ. Fancy spending an entire day? Koi Friday brunch is for you. We recommend the Koi crispy rice and lobster tacos with mango salsa and yuzu guacamole. Dhs195 Maki Madness, Dhs295 with unlimited flow of Japanese rice beverage. Dhs195 Koi Supper Club, every Thursday 9.30pm-1am. Dhs295 Koi Friday brunch, Dhs395 including free-flowing house beverages and selected fruity beverages, Dhs495 with bottle of bubbles, every Friday 12.30pm-4pm. Open daily, 6.30pm-1am. Koi, The Collection, Saadiyat Island (02 678 3334).Mikado This Japanese hot-spot located in Abu Dhabi has new additions to its extensive menu that you will love. Guests can now look forward to a selection of vibrant sushi, including negihama hossomaki (yellow tail roll), Mikado roll, unagi avocado roll and yaki Mikado roll.

Open Sun-Thu 8am-noon (pastry and tea), noon-11pm; Fri-Sat breakfast from 8am-4pm, lunch and dinner noon-11pm. Mikado, Al Khalidiyah, Al Hana Centre (02 667 7557).Relax@12 Treat your tummy to Oriental bites, yummy tapas and a sassy sushi selection at Relax@12 – the chilled new night at old favourite, Aloft. Relax@12, Aloft, floor 12, Al Khaleeja Al Arabi street, ADNEC (02 654 5000).Samurai An oldie but a goodie that maintains its quality. Samurai serves all manner of things from teppanyaki to bento boxes (single portion containers packed with rice, fish or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables.) Samurai, next to the Al Diar Capital Hotel, Mina street (02 676 6612).Sho ChoA trendy night spot also open for lunch. At night, you are treated to lounge music, stunning views of the Grand Mosque and yachts on the canal. Add in Sho Cho’s sumptuous sushi and you have the perfect evening. Sho Cho offers an extensive menu of both cooked and raw fish. If you like to try new things, order their Sho Cho lounge special box which is replete with a variety of colourful and carefully chosen fish selections that complement each other.

Order one of their unrivalled mocktails, and you have a perfect evening out. Open daily, Sun-Thu noon-3.30pm and 6pm-2.45am; Sho Cho, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 558 1117).Sushi ArtThis place prides itself on serving fast and flavourful sushi that is so aesthetically pleasing that you almost don’t want to eat it. The offerings are presented in a book that is more coffee table art than menu, and it’s vast. The food arrives and an Instagram food snap is almost de rigueur here before you tuck into what might be the best shopping mall food court sushi in the world. And it ought to be. Sushi Art is the brainchild of Michelin-starred French chef Joel Robuchon. Sushi Art serves one-of-a-kind boxes of signature classics and new creations pay homage to the California style of sushi making. Do not leave without trying the crispy lobster roll. Open daily, 11am-11pm. Sushi Art, Sowwah Square, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island (800 220).Sushi CentralThis sushi shop has two locations: one in Khalidiyah and a new one in Al Mina.

Sushi Central is known for its friendly and fast service. It also delivers all over the capital – on and off island – which is handy. If you don’t fall in love with the convenience of the delivery service, you will be enamoured of the food. Sushi Central boasts a range of offerings to please everyone from sushi aficionados to newbies. Try the unusual take on the ubiquitous California Roll. The version here is called the Mermaid California roll. Sushi Central, Khalidiyah and Al Mina (600 520 007).Sushi MaruA traditional Japanese restaurant with so many dishes to tingle your taste buds – both hot and cold – you will be hard-pressed to decide. If you hanker for cool treats, try Sushi Maru’s outstanding kimchi and crispy salmon skin rolls. Open daily, noon-11pm. Sushi Maru, Level 1, City Golf Club, 19th street, Al Mushrif (050 137 8180).Teatro A somewhat varied, mostly pan-Asian menu, where you can order anything from a Caesar salad to dim sum. But don’t let that scare you off.

Visit Teatro less for its eclectic offerings and more for its stunning selection of sushi and sashimi. There is even rumoured to be a secret sushi menu at Teatro for those in the know. Apparently, one can order a secret roll called the ‘volcano’, which will blow your mind and your taste buds. Teatro, Park Rotana, Khalifa Park Ring Road (02 657 3333).Yacht ClubDine indoors or outdoors, on the terrace, with spectacular views of InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s private marina. Every Tuesday enjoy unlimited sushi and sashimi with a taste of the Orient. Dhs145 unlimited sushi, Dhs245 with free flow of grape beverages and brews. The Yacht Club, Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Bateen (02 666 6888).ZumaExperience the spirit of Japanese izakaya-style dining with dishes designed to be shared at the table or enjoyed individually. Guests can choose sushi art from the signature robata and sushi counter as they listen to beats from the live DJ. Zuma, Sowwah Square, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 401 5900).